The world’s largest mining giant, BHP Billiton, reported its iron ore output rose by 16 percent in the fourth-quarter ended June 30 on Australian mining expansions and good global steel demand.

The output in the third quarter was 31.2 million tons, rose from 27.1 million the same period last year.

It is expected that the iron ore sales in Australia will increase by 50 percent this fiscal year since BHP and Rio Tinto both keep their expansion.

BHP reported its iron ore output for the full year was 125 million tons and production in Western Australia recorded high for a tenth straight year.